Fluid-Cooled Rotary Tool Chuck for Fast Sleeve Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing rotary tool chucks for processing machines, used in manufacturing packaging, face challenges with slow and laborious roll changes due to high tool weights, high production costs, and thermal conductivity issues that complicate sleeve removal from the mandrel.
Innovation Solution
A rotary tool chuck with a cylindrical core and peripheral wall that forms a fluid circuit for both radial pressure to secure the sleeve and cooling, allowing for efficient locking and cooling of the mandrel, facilitating faster tool changes and reducing costs by using a single fluid circuit for both functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a sleeve is used with small clearance between sleeve and mandrel to limit thermal contact, then thermal conductivity is reduced, but the sleeve becomes difficult to remove from the mandrel after cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical interference fit system with a hybrid system that incorporates a fluid circuit. The fluid circuit applies controlled radial pressure to maintain the interference fit during operation, but can be deactivated to allow easy removal. This substitutes automatic mechanical interference with controllable fluid-pressure-based interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and pressure parameters of the fluid in the circuit to control the interference fit. By adjusting fluid pressure, the system transitions between a state of strong interference (during operation) and easy removal (after operation). The fluid pressure parameter acts as a control variable that modulates the mechanical interference between sleeve and mandrel.
2Temperature
If the sleeve has higher thermal conductivity than the chuck, then heat transfer is improved, but the sleeve cools faster than the mandrel causing difficult removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces reliance on passive thermal conduction with an active fluid-based thermal management system. The fluid circuit can be controlled to manage heat transfer rates, preventing the sleeve from cooling too quickly. This substitutes uncontrolled thermal conduction through metal contact with a controllable fluid-mediated thermal exchange system.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid in the circuit acts as an intermediary between the sleeve and the external cooling system. Instead of direct thermal contact between the sleeve and mandrel causing uncontrolled heat transfer, the fluid mediates the thermal exchange, allowing controlled heat removal that prevents excessive cooling rates and facilitates easier sleeve removal.
3Strength
If the peripheral wall exerts radial pressure on the sleeve to lock it in position, then the sleeve is securely held, but the system requires additional complexity to control the pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the fluid circuit serve multiple functions: it provides both cooling and radial pressure for locking the sleeve. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate pressure control mechanisms. The same fluid that cools the mandrel also provides the locking pressure, eliminating the need for dedicated pressure generation and control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid circuit system is self-regulating in that the cooling process itself contributes to the locking mechanism. As the fluid circulates and cools the mandrel, thermal contraction naturally increases the interference fit and locking pressure. The system uses its own operational process (cooling) to enhance its locking function, reducing the need for external pressure control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quick and cost-effective tool changes by maintaining the sleeve securely on the mandrel and accelerating the cooling process, allowing for efficient operation and reduced production downtime.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid circuit of pressure, which is formed between the peripheral wall and the cylindrical core, to exert the radial pressure on the sleeve
Implementation Method 2
a fluid circuit of cooling, to allow a circulation of a fluid at the cylindrical core, and cool the tool mandrel
Implementation Method 3
allow a circulation of a fluid at the cylindrical core
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A rotary tool chuck for a unit for modifying a flat material, on which a sleeve (13) is intended to be fitted, comprises a cylindrical core (14), a peripheral wall (17), which is able to take up a rest position and a locking position exerting a radial pressure on the sleeve (13) so as to lock it in position on the chuck (12), a pressure fluid circuit (21), provided between the peripheral wall (17) and the cylindrical core (14), for exerting the radial pressure on the sleeve (13), and a cooling fluid circuit (24) for allowing circulation of a fluid at the cylindrical core (14) and for cooling the chuck (12).